I use Skype and have to move to UAE for some time. What are my options to use VoIP effectively in UAE?

Forums › VoIP › I use Skype and have to move to UAE for some time. What are my options to use VoIP effectively in UAE?

JeffDunhill

11 posts

Geek

Topic # 188996 13-Dec-2015 00:02

Hi everyone, I often use Skype (Paid Subscription) to communicate with my clients and for certain reasons, I have to move to UAE. Unfortunately, Skype doesn't work in UAE and all my contacts and other things are stored on Skype. I have apps of all my devices and I am always connected to the Skype in one way or the other. I wanted to ask you guys about my options, as I have already researched about using a VPN service to get my things going as it is even in UAE, and so far it is the best option I have come across with. But, I'm not really sure if I can use it to full throttle as I do using a VPN. Can anyone suggest an alternative for my issue or suggest if my research really is the best solution?
Thanks!

afe66

1822 posts

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Reply # 1449463 13-Dec-2015 00:53

Googling suggests using VPN are illegal in UAE....

I wouldn't want to risk attracting Police there.

A.

JeffDunhill

11 posts

Geek

Reply # 1449486 13-Dec-2015 02:49

It is actually right. I came across with it too, but there are some forums where people saying that they are using VPNs without any issue in UAE. Any confirmation on this?

hamish225

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Reply # 1449519 13-Dec-2015 04:05

afe66: Googling suggests using VPN are illegal in UAE....

I wouldn't want to risk attracting Police there.

A.

lol! what? how do business run links between their sites then? remote access?

afe66

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Reply # 1449537 13-Dec-2015 08:08

http://www.emirates247.com/business/technology/vpn-use-punishable-under-law-dubai-police-2015-03-12-1.583914

andrewNZ

1952 posts

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Reply # 1449539 13-Dec-2015 08:15

So quick research suggests the two telephone / internet companies block it, and there is a law stating they are the only ones allowed to provide telephone services.

Looks like your only legal option is a telephone.

http://www.emirates247.com/business/technology/voip-including-skype-is-banned-in-uae-tra-2015-08-24-1.601231

Location: Dunedin

JeffDunhill

11 posts

Geek

Reply # 1450324 14-Dec-2015 20:23

Thank you guys, I have found out that Skype is working on its own in Dubai for many people. I have confirmed it from my friends there, and this thread also suggests it is true.

https://www.quora.com/Does-Skype-work-in-dubai

Still to be on the safe side, I've found out that their are VPNs that offer their services in UAE. According to PureVPN, the internet is restricted in UAE and Skype doesn't work very well there, along with other internet restrictions. But, with their service, I can use skype easy peezy.

https://www.purevpn.com/blog/uae-vpn-service/

https://www.purevpn.com/uae-vpn-service.php

It seems promising and I've also confirmed it from my people in Dubai if they are using VPN without any threat. 7 out of 11 of my friends have VPNs and 5 of them are using PureVPN, while other 2 have Express and HMA.
However, they suggested me to setup VPN already before going to UAE.
Now, the news sources that you guys have shared suggest I will be in threat, but the VPN services suggests contrary, and my friends their as well. Any more suggestions about this scenario now?